America’s War on Drugs—A Timeline

The so-called “War on Drugs” has a long and often controversial history in the United States. Various tactics have been employed in an attempt to curb the abuse of illicit substances in the country, with varying degrees of success. This campaign has even led to U.S. involvement in other nations. While many argue that addicts should be sent to drug rehab in order to make a full recovery, the fact remains that the legal policies of the “War on Drugs” have put many behind bars. Indeed, some argue that the “War on Drugs” has had little effect on reducing the use of illicit substances, as its focus has been primarily on law enforcement rather than treatment. Here’s a timeline of a few notable events in the “War on Drugs.”